We had 2 glorious days paddling based in the campsite at Tayvallich. We formed two groups, our group comprised Alan, Bev, Janice, Joe, Paul and me, Pat.
On Day 1 we set off from Carsaig Bay for a 33km paddle south to MacCormaig Isles and back up Loch Sween to Tayvallich. It was a beautiful sunny blue sky day. We were protected from the F4 gusting 5 westerly wind on the leg south and enjoyed some tidal assistance all the way to EIlean Mhor, near the entrance to Loch Sween. We were able to get ashore at the end of a long north-facing inlet. The views were fantastic with great visibility. A conservation group had been working on the island and built a bothy displaying information for visitors as well as restoring part of the ancient chapel. We found the original cave used by monks (anchorites) who were seeking a hermit’s life for purposes of spiritual advancement – and maybe even sainthood. Nobody felt tempted.
After lunch we saw tidal flow build as we headed for the southern tip of the mainland and round into Loch Sween. From this point onwards, the wind picked up to F4 and there was no shelter. It was a bit of a slog up to Taynish island where we ducked into Linne Mhuirich, an inland sea loch where fascinating marine life was gradually revealed as we picked out tiny spindly, brittle starfish on the seabed. Back home, we sat round a virtual campfire on the campsite and enjoyed great craik as we caught up with the exploits of Graham’s group and planned for the next paddle.
Day 2 and we set off from Crinan harbour in flat calm up the West coast heading for Dorus Mor, which we paddled through at slack. We were curious to see the tidal flow build for our return journey as we sat idling on Reisa Mhic Phaidean, an islet seldom visited these days except by a colony of herring gulls. The views were stunning over to Corryvreckan and north to Belnahua as we gingerly picked our way, at times between nests of hatching eggs (sincere apologies to any gulls reading this), from one vantage point to another. We set off again back south reaching moderate speeds of 12km/hr as we rounded Craignish Point and onto Eilean Righ heading for the second lunch of the day at the jetty on the east shore. We met Graham’s party of paddlers en route and exchanged a few hearty greetings. On landing, we were informed by signage that the island was PRIVATE so we sat on the pontoon feeling robbed of the opportunity to explore when Paul noticed these enormous starfish on the sea bed, and a host of oyster shells. Amazing!!! We were loathe to leave! We finished the circumnavigation of the island (and for future reference, it would be possible to access the Dun from the west shore) and enjoyed a paddle back to Crinan through a serene evening seascape. 28km – Boom! *
Many, many thanks to Graham for organising the BIG WEEKEND AWAY – and to all those who took part. Great Company, Great Paddling. Great Memories.
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